Abstract: A method and system for monitoring frame flow in a Fibre Channel network is provided. The method includes, deleting fill words before any frame data is allowed to be stored in a buffer memory; storing only certain primitive signals and/or frame data in the buffer memory; reading the buffer memory without delay, if a primitive signal is stored in the buffer memory; and delaying reading the buffer memory if frame data is detected. The network includes, a host bus adapter that includes a fibre channel protocol manager that includes a receive logic that deletes fill words before any frame data is allowed to be stored in a buffer memory, wherein the buffer memory stores only certain primitive signals and/or frame data and the buffer memory is read without any delay, if a primitive signal is stored, while a read operation of the buffer memory involving frame data is delayed.

Abstract: A storage area network (“SAN”) and a system is provided. The SAN includes, a host bus adapter operationally coupled with a credit extender, wherein the credit extender receives frames from a Fibre Channel network and sends the received frames to the HBA based on buffer space available in the HBA. The HBA notifies other Fibre Channel ports of buffer space available in the credit extender. The HBA sends a signal to the credit extender notifying the credit extender of available buffer space in the HBA. The HBA includes a management port for interfacing the HBA with the credit extender.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring data from a host system to plural devices is provided. Each device may be coupled to a link having a different serial rate for accepting data from the host system. The system includes plural programmable DMA channels, which are programmed to concurrently transmit data at a rate at which the receiving devices will accept data. The method includes programming a DMA channel that can transmit data at a rate similar to the rate at which the receiving device will accept data.